Food is a huge expense for most American families—right up there with housing and transportation. On average, about 12.5% of their spending goes toward food.

The good news? Cutting your grocery bill is way easier than trimming housing or transportation costs. Those usually need long-term planning, but with groceries, you can start saving almost right away.

One of the simplest ways to slash your food spending? Plan ahead.

Try making as many meals from scratch as possible. Pre-cooked or ready-to-eat options might seem convenient, but they’re rarely the best deal. For example, pre-cut veggie or fruit trays cost more than buying whole produce and chopping it yourself.

Sure, meal prep takes time, but it’s a trade-off for saving money.

Below, you’ll find tips on everything from comparing prices to using coupons and planning meals around sales.

At first, adjusting to this new way of shopping might feel tough, but it’ll get easier. Ready to shrink your grocery bill? Here’s a full list of strategies to help.

Plan Ahead to Save on Groceries

First rule? Never shop hungry. Seriously.

When you’re full, you’re less likely to grab unnecessary snacks or random items. Hunger weakens self-control, making impulse buys way more tempting.

Before heading out, make a list—and stick to it. Include only what you need for the week’s meals.

If planning a whole week’s worth of meals feels overwhelming, start with four days and build from there.

Shopping just once a week helps you stay focused and saves money. Also, shop when you’re energized. If you’re tired, decision-making gets harder.

Stick to familiar stores when you’re worn out—you’ll find what you need faster.

Check local store ads (in papers or on social media) and plan meals around sale items. Buying in bulk or choosing discounted ingredients can stretch your budget.

Rotate Where You Shop

Different stores have different sales each week. By switching up where you shop, you can score a variety of discounted items.

Your grocery budget calculator will show just how much you’re saving. Plus, buying in bulk lets you freeze extras for later.

When setting your grocery budget, compare prices at stores you frequent. You can jot down costs or use apps like Basket, Favado, or Grocery Pal.

Use Your Purchases Wisely

Once you’ve shopped smart, make sure nothing goes to waste.

Cook enough for leftovers—either for the next day or to freeze for later. If you buy snacks in bulk, portion them into small bags for on-the-go snacking instead of buying expensive single servings.

Cut up fruits and veggies at the start of the week for easy, healthy snacks.

Keep staples like rice, beans, spices, canned meats, and flour stocked. They’re lifesavers when you’re short on time or energy.

Use What You Have First

Before buying more, check your fridge and pantry monthly. If your food is organized, you’ll avoid buying duplicates.

For bulk purchases, watch expiration dates and store items properly to extend shelf life. Pre-cook or marinate meats before freezing—having ready-to-go meals reduces takeout temptations.

Don’t forget to return bottles and cans for deposit refunds—it’s free cash back!

More Ways to Stick to Your Budget

• Try new foods when prices are low. Sticking to the same items every week can be costly. A cheaper alternative might surprise you.
• Bring a calculator to tally costs as you shop. Check if “3-for-1” deals or bulk packs are actually cheaper (it varies by product).
• Teach kids to help with math—it keeps them engaged and saves money.
• Learn to make favorite foods at home. Take a cooking class or ask a friend for tips.
• Buy non-food items (like paper towels) at discount stores or opt for store brands—many are the same as name brands, just repackaged.
• Beware of sales. Don’t buy things you don’t need just because they’re on sale.
• Use a smaller cart. Less space = fewer impulse buys.
• Ask for a rain check if a sale item’s out of stock—just note the expiration date.
• Watch the cashier. Mistakes happen, and you don’t want to overpay.

Loyalty Rewards & Cashback

Stores like Winn-Dixie, Publix, and Safeway offer loyalty programs with big savings. Sign up for email newsletters for digital coupons, and check local papers for grocery coupons.

Some credit cards offer cashback on groceries—just time your shopping to match reward periods. Certain cards give 5% back on rotating categories (up to $1,500 quarterly). If you won’t spend that much on groceries, buy gift cards instead.

Cashback Apps

• Ibotta: Upload receipts for cashback on select items. Payments go to PayPal/Venmo within 48 hours.
• Affinityy: Get cashback on online grocery purchases. Payouts via PayPal (minimum $50).
• Inbox Dollars: Earn by shopping online, taking surveys, or browsing. Withdraw via PayPal, check, or e-payment.

Store Tricks to Avoid

Grocery stores want you to spend more. Here’s how they do it:

• Eye-level placement: Brands pay for prime shelf spots. For better deals, look up or down.
• Checkout temptations: Candy racks target impulse buyers. Use self-checkout to avoid them—it cuts impulse purchases by 32% for women and 16.7% for men.

Frozen vs. Fresh

“Fresh” isn’t always better. Unless you know its origin, produce may have pesticides or lose nutrients during transport. Frozen berries or spinach can be healthier and cheaper.

For meat, ask when discounts hit—time your trip accordingly.

Alternatives to Chain Stores

• Farmers’ markets or CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture): Pay upfront for seasonal produce (sometimes including eggs, cheese, etc.).
• Bulk-buying co-ops: Team up with neighbors for discounts.
• Ethnic markets: Often have cheaper produce and high-quality spices.

Online Shopping

Non-perishables (like grains, oils, or honey) are often cheaper online. Compare prices, including shipping and taxes. If bulk sizes are too big, split with friends.

Drugstore & Discount Store Deals

Stores like CVS or Walgreens sometimes have great weekly deals—just sign up for their free loyalty cards.

Don’t overlook discount stores like Aldi or Dollar Tree. Verify if prices are truly lower—sometimes a “$1 snack” is pricier per unit than a multi-pack elsewhere.

Grow Your Own

Herbs like mint, basil, or parsley are easy to grow in small spaces—cheaper and fresher than store-bought.

Hunt Wild Game (If Possible)

Depending on local laws, hunting can be a cheaper, healthier meat source. Learn proper freezing/thawing to avoid waste.

Final Tips

• Buy in-season produce. It’s cheaper and lasts longer.
• Skip packaged meat. A butcher gives better cuts without paying for bones/fat.
• Frozen foods can be just as good (or better) than fresh.
• Avoid eye-level shelves—best deals are higher or lower.
• Ditch brand loyalty (unless coupons make it worth it).
• Never shop hungry. Impulse buys wreck budgets.
• Use cashback apps like Ibotta.
• Shop on weekdays—weekends are crowded and lead to more spending.
• Start shopping at the store’s edges (produce, dairy, meat), not the center (processed foods).
• Don’t rush for every sale. Compare prices first.

Your Turn

Which of these tips will you try? How do you save on groceries? Share your strategies below!